I am one of about 18 physicians in a group practice for a large HMO. We have a "chief" who is appointed from amongst us to both represent our best interests as well as interface with the higher levels of management. There is a lot of occasion for the "Chief" to ask us for opinions on various issues affecting the group. While there is usually very little feedback from others, I always feel that my opinion counts for something. Perhaps, I am too opinionated but lately my "Chief" has deemed my opinions to be all criticism and without constructive suggestion. I feel that there are no perfect solutions to the issues at hand, but I do think open discussion is key to maintaining a cohesive department. I have always felt that our "Chief" is an appointed leader of equals (since we are all physicians first).
Lately, my "Chief" has adopted the habit of setting up appointments for me to chat with the HR director everytime I suggest a differing opinion for open discussion. There have been no specific allegations of impropriety and there have never been any resolutions or formal agreements to come out of these meetings. And my "Chief" never approaches me directly to talk about my concerns, opting instead to utilize the HR director to "get to the bottom of things." I have heard big words like "insubordination" being blithely mentioned by the HR director, but when I press for direct discussion of this allegation I am met with backpedaling and muffled guffaws. I sense that this is some kind of empty threat and that my "Chief" is using these meetings to intimidate me.
Others have expressed similar opinions to mine and have not been met with this kind of (over)reaction. Both me and my "Chief" are minorities. I am also part of the "younger crowd" more recently joined than the others in the group. I feel that my opinions are not being held in the same light as others, and that I am being intimidated into keeping my opinions to myself. I know this does not constitute any kind of illegal harrasment, but what can I do to deal with the situation? Specifically, with all the mentions of insubordination and other empty threats that are virtually being held over my head, is there some way I can get this to stop (short of leaving the group)? To be sure, the Chief is the only one who treats me this way. The rest of the group is very welcoming and supportive of my efforts. I think this may just be a case of one person just not getting along with another....only problem is that one of the people is in a position of power administratively.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Lately, my "Chief" has adopted the habit of setting up appointments for me to chat with the HR director everytime I suggest a differing opinion for open discussion. There have been no specific allegations of impropriety and there have never been any resolutions or formal agreements to come out of these meetings. And my "Chief" never approaches me directly to talk about my concerns, opting instead to utilize the HR director to "get to the bottom of things." I have heard big words like "insubordination" being blithely mentioned by the HR director, but when I press for direct discussion of this allegation I am met with backpedaling and muffled guffaws. I sense that this is some kind of empty threat and that my "Chief" is using these meetings to intimidate me.
Others have expressed similar opinions to mine and have not been met with this kind of (over)reaction. Both me and my "Chief" are minorities. I am also part of the "younger crowd" more recently joined than the others in the group. I feel that my opinions are not being held in the same light as others, and that I am being intimidated into keeping my opinions to myself. I know this does not constitute any kind of illegal harrasment, but what can I do to deal with the situation? Specifically, with all the mentions of insubordination and other empty threats that are virtually being held over my head, is there some way I can get this to stop (short of leaving the group)? To be sure, the Chief is the only one who treats me this way. The rest of the group is very welcoming and supportive of my efforts. I think this may just be a case of one person just not getting along with another....only problem is that one of the people is in a position of power administratively.
Thanks for any suggestions.